The Spanish letter ‘q’ is always followed by ‘u’ and then a vowel, creating a distinct phoneme, similar to the ‘kw’ sound in English. Common examples include “que” (that, which, what), “quiero” (I want), and “quince” (fifteen). Understanding this fundamental rule unlocks a significant portion of the Spanish lexicon.
Mastering vocabulary commencing with this letter combination is essential for effective communication in Spanish. It allows learners to grasp crucial question words, express desires, and engage with numerical concepts. This seemingly small segment of the vocabulary plays a surprisingly large role in everyday conversation and comprehension. Its usage can be traced back to the evolution of the Latin language, reflecting centuries of linguistic development.